Apple's Jade will “run a big race” in the Champion Hurdle on March 12, her bullish trainer Gordon Elliott predicted yesterday.

The daughter of Saddler Maker had been aimed at the Mares’ Hurdle at Cheltenham - before a 16-length victory in the Irish Champion Hurdle at Leopardstown persuaded owner Michael O’Leary to re-route to the National Hunt Festival’s opening-day feature.

And Elliott said yesterday: “She’s come out of her last race very well.

“She's something else. She’s gone from strength to strength this year and I'm really looking forward to running her.

“If she runs to the form she's been in all year, I think she'll run a big race in the Champion Hurdle.”

(Image: Getty Images)

Elliott admitted he is no nearer a decision as to Samcro’s participation in the Stayers’ Hurdle.

Last year’s Ballymore Novices’ Hurdle hero is back under consideration for Cheltenham after recovering from the lung infection that saw him flop in the Ryanair Hurdle at Leopardstown over Christmas.

“The rain has come now, and, perhaps with a little bit more, we’d like to get him out and I’d say it’s 50-50 at this stage as to whether he'd run or not.”

Laurina will warm up for Cheltenham with a run on Wednesday (Image: Getty Images)

Meanwhile, Laurina warms up for the Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham on March 12 when the Willie Mullins trainee faces six rivals for the Listed Smart Money’s On Coral Quevega Mares’ Hurdle at Punchestown tomorrow.

“We’re looking forward to running her - it looks a nice opportunity,” said the trainer’s son and assistant Patrick.